Azerbaijan: Free prisoners before Baku Grand Prix race
The Formula One Group leadership should urge the Azerbaijani government to release unjustly imprisoned activists and journalists ahead of the European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, said the Sport for… More
Bill Introduced in U.S. Would Hold Azerbaijan Accountable for Free Expression Crackdown
The introduction of a bill in the U.S. Congress that would impose visa sanctions on Azerbaijan’s senior leadership is an important move to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its escalating… More
Khadija Ismayilova’s Trial Adjourned until July 31st
Khadija Ismayilova's trial continued today in Azerbaijan as Judge Ramella Allahverdiyeva overturned defense motions for judicial investigation of spurious charges. Ismayilova is expected to give her statement when the… More
Azerbaijan: Human rights defenders Leyla and Arif Yunus convicted
The Sport for Rights coalition condemns the conviction and harsh sentencing of Azerbaijani human rights defenders Leyla and Arif Yunus on 13 August by the Baku Court of Grave… More
Azerbaijan: Journalist Rasim Aliyev murdered as human rights crackdown continues in aftermath of European Games
The Sport for Rights coalition resolutely condemns the brutal murder of Azerbaijani journalist Rasim Aliyev, who died on August 9 in a Baku hospital, after he was severely beaten… More
Azerbaijan puts imprisoned journalist Khadija Ismayilova on trial
Human rights groups say charges against investigative reporter are politically motivated after series of stories about president’s financial dealings. More
Azerbaijan: Meydan TV Director Emin Milli Threatened for Critical Reporting on European Games
On 26 June, Meydan TV Director Emin Milli reported that he had received a threat from the Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport, Azad Rahimov, in connection with his… More
Sport for Rights Letter Appeal to Lady Gaga
PEN American Center is proud to be a signatory of this Sport for Rights letter to Lady Gaga asking that she appeal on behalf of the jailed journalists, like… More
Azerbaijan Barring Foreign Press and Activists on Eve of European Games Showcases Contempt for Free Expression
Azerbaijan’s denial of entry this week to at least three foreign human rights organizations and media outlets planning to attend the European Games should sound a warning bell for… More
Freedom to Write Award Winner Khadija Ismayilova’s Pretrial Detention Extended
PEN American Center condemns the extension of Azeri investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova’s imprisonment. More